Ethics memo

WRD 202-409 | Marta Shcherbakova | Autumn 2019

Ethics Advisory Memo

Overview In this final assignment you need to write a longer memo providing options for action in response to an ethical dilemma. Carefully study the instructions provided below to determine the audience, style, tone, and structure of each document. Background Knowledge Review the Power Point (Internal Correspondence Packet) on writing successful memos (available on our D2L page). Also, review Read: “Ethical Writing in the Workplace” (pp. 21-29) and Chapter 2 “The Writing Process and Collaboration at Work” from Successful Writing at Work (specifically pages 35-55)

Learning Outcomes Transferable Skills

 Craft documents that address specific audiences

 Compose documents that use appropriate style choices for the genre (and/or rhetorical situation)

 Produce documents that use standard conventions of business genres

 Compose documents that are grammatically and mechanically sound

 Plan/ organize/ prioritize

 Resourcefulness

 Ethical reasoning and judgment

 Professionalism

 Information Technology Application

 Written Communication

Writing Ethics Advisory Memo Definition “An ethical dilemma is a predicament in which a business person must resolve whether an action, although benefiting the organization, individual, or both may be considered unethical. An ethical dilemma may arise when two norms or values are in conflict” (Bauer-Ramazani, 2017) Assignment First, think of an ethical issue that may occur at a workplace. According to Heart- Repreneur website, the four most common categories of the work-related ethical issues include: accounting, discrimination and harassment, privacy/technology, and social media. You can choose an issue within one of these categories or you can come with an issue of your own. If you are having trouble coming up with your own details, browse the Internet for a case (similar to one we went over in class) and respond to the ethical issue(s) described in that case. Some websites with the cases on Business Ethics:

1. https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/business-ethics/resources/cases/ 2. https://businessethicshighlights.com/2019/01/04/top-10-business-ethics-stories-of-2018/

https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/business-ethics/resources/cases/
https://businessethicshighlights.com/2019/01/04/top-10-business-ethics-stories-of-2018/
WRD 202-409 | Marta Shcherbakova | Autumn 2019

Second, following the early learned guidelines and requirements, write a 2-page memo (single-spaced), in which you analyze the ethical issue(s) and offer a course for action. To organize your memo, please use the following headings in boldface: Introduction, The Situation, The Ethical Dilemma, The Stakeholders Affected by the Dilemma, Alternative Courses of Action & Tradeoffs, Solution, and Conclusion. You will write a paragraph (about 5-7 sentences) for each section. Sections Explained Introduction Write an introduction (2-3 sentences) which briefly states the situation. Then write your thesis statement, which should include the purpose of the memo and give a preview of what the body of the memo will discuss. You need to include, as keywords, all of the headings/topics you will address in the memo (listed above). The Situation - State the facts; describe the situation. In short, simple sentences, write a paragraph describing who was involved, where the situation took place, when this happened, and what was going on. Begin with a topic sentence that contains the keywords and answers the questions who? where? when? Then in short, simple sentences, answer the question what happened/what was going on? All supporting sentences that follow must provide more details, facts, explanations about these questions. Please note that this is most likely in PAST TENSE, so check all verb endings! The Ethical Dilemma - Discuss the values and norms that are in conflict. Describe in detail what the ethical dilemma/issue is. Why is this a problem? Begin with a topic sentence that contains the keywords from the heading (ethical dilemma) and answers the questions what is the ethical dilemma confronting the person? Then in short, simple sentences, answer the question which ethical values are in conflict? Who will be hurt? Who will benefit? All supporting sentences that follow must provide more details, facts, explanations about these questions. ***For ethical values (or 6 Pillars of Character), review the Power Point on Ethics and Ethical Decisions we went over in class. For example, you can say something like: “Such values as respect and citizenship are at stake in the given situation.” Then explain how each of the chosen values are being at stake/jeopardized. The Stakeholders Affected by the Dilemma - List them. Describe their involvement. Why/In what way are they stakeholders? Begin with a topic sentence that mentions all of the stakeholders that are affected by this situation. In the rest of the paragraph, answer the questions How is each stakeholder involved? and How will the dilemma affect them? (Why/In what way are they stakeholders?).

WRD 202-409 | Marta Shcherbakova | Autumn 2019

Alternative Courses of Action & Tradeoffs (benefits/costs) Discuss 3 possible ways to solve the ethical dilemma/issue(s). What are the tradeoffs (benefits/costs) of each course of action for the stakeholders involved? For each one, discuss the benefits and costs (who will benefit and how; who will see negative consequences and which ones?) Begin with a topic sentence that mentions the keywords alternative courses of action and tradeoffs. In the rest of the paragraph, discuss each alternative in detail and show how this alternative will affect each of the stakeholders involved positively or negatively. Solution - Discuss how the dilemma should have been solved. Begin with a topic sentence that states which of the alternative courses of action would be the best solution. Also, consider the following questions: How many stakeholders will benefit from this alternative vs. the other ones? Who will be affected negatively? Which values are more important? Conclusion Write a concluding paragraph (2-3 sentences) in which you restate the thesis statement from the introduction. Briefly restate your suggested solution and why this is the best solution. Draft #1 – Thursday, February 6, before class (upload to D2L) Draft #2 – Sunday, February 9, before class (upload to D2L)

Grading Rubric

Criteria Excellent Good Inconsistent Below Average Poor

Clarity 10 points 8 points 6 points 4 points 2 points /10

Conciseness 10 points 8 points 6 points 4 points 2 points /10

Comprehensiveness 10 points 8 points 6 points 4 points 2 points /10

Honesty/Accuracy 5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point /5

Document Specific Concerns 5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point /5

Rhetorical Awareness 10 points 8 points 6 points 4 points 2 points /10

Total /50